Tool operated switch for vacuums

ABSTRACT

A vacuum control system allows the vacuum to be turned on and off automatically based on the operation of an associated power tool. The vacuum is able to run at full power without sacrificing power to the power tool itself. Additionally, a pneumatic power tool may be used to control the operation of the vacuum.

1. RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/022506, filed Jan. 21, 2008, which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a switch for controlling a vacuum. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to a switch for turning avacuum on and off by sensing operation of a tool which is used incombination with the vacuum.

2. State of the Art

Due to health concerns and a desire to reduce the mess of dust anddebris, vacuums (typically canister vacuums as shown herein) and dustcollection shrouds or guards are becoming increasingly common. Thesedust collection systems are used in many situations such as concretegrinding or paint removal to capture the debris which is generated. Thedebris is, in many cases, hazardous to the health. Where hazardousdebris such as concrete dust or paint dust is generated, it is even moreimportant to capture the dust and debris.

There are many situations where a worker is not using the desired toolfor a long period of time, but is using the tool intermittently. Inthese situations, it is desirable to turn off the vacuum when the toolis not in use so as to conserve energy and reduce the noise level. Itis, however, inconvenient to switch the vacuum on and off manually.

As shown in FIG. 1, vacuums 10 have been made which provide power to anelectric tool and which operate the vacuum when the tool is operated.The vacuum 10 includes a power cord 14 which is plugged into a walloutlet to provide power to the vacuum and to an additional tool. Thevacuum includes a socket 18 which receives the power cord of the desiredtool, such as a drill or grinder. The socket 18 is electricallyconnected to the power cord 14 so as to provide power to the tool. Thevacuum 10 includes an internal controller which powers the vacuum motorwhen the tool is powered. The vacuum 10 turns on when the tool is turnedon and turns off when the tool is turned off. The vacuum 10 also has atypical on/off switch 22 so that the vacuum can be placed in a permanenton position.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the vacuum electrical components forthe vacuum of FIG. 1. The vacuum power cord 14 is connected to acontroller 26 and switch 22 and thereby provides power to both thevacuum motor 30 and the socket 18. The socket 18 always receives powerwhen the power cord 14 is plugged into a power source so that a desiredpower tool can be operated. When the power tool is being operated, thecontroller 26 provides power to the vacuum motor 30. The controller 26provides surplus power which is not being used by the power tool to thevacuum motor 30 so as to not overload the electrical outlet that thepower cord 14 is plugged into. In this manner, the vacuum will run whenthe associated power tool is being operated and turn off when the powertool is turned off. The switch 22 allows the vacuum to be turnedpermanently on, disabling the socket 18 at the same time.

The prior art vacuum of FIG. 1 has several drawbacks. One drawback isthat the vacuum 10 can only operate automatically when used with anelectrical tool and not other tools such as a pneumatic tool. Anotherdrawback is that the worker must switch the vacuum 10 on and off at thevacuum itself to have the vacuum run continuously, such as when cleaningup stray debris after performing some work with a power tool. The vacuum10 may be located away from the worker and this may cause additionalinconvenience and difficulty.

Another drawback of the vacuum 10 is that the power tool and the vacuumboth share a common power supply. The power cord 14 provides power toboth the vacuum and the power tool. Most wall outlets will provide amaximum of 15 amps of current, less a 20% safety margin, resulting in a12 amp allowable load. Many vacuums are designed to draw nearly 12 ampsso as to maximize the suction generated by the vacuum. Power tools,however, commonly draw 7-12 amps. Many angle grinders as may be usedwith the vacuum 10 will draw a full 12 amps. Because of the high powerdraw of the tools commonly used with the vacuum, the vacuum motor 30 isoften only allowed to draw 3 amps or less so as to not overload theelectrical circuit powering the vacuum 10 and the power tool. The vacuum10 will provide very little air flow and little suction when operatingat 3 amps or less. Thus, the vacuum 10 is not operating at full powerwhen used with a power tool and will not adequately collect the dust anddebris due to the reduced air flow and suction.

There is a need for a tool operated vacuum which overcomes thelimitations of the prior art. There is a need for a vacuum which isautomatically switched on and off when a power tool is switched on andoff which still operates under full power even when the power tool isoperating. There is a need for a vacuum which can be remotely switchedon and off for continuous operation. There is also a need for a vacuumwhich can be remotely switched by an air powered tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved vacuumcontrol system which operates a vacuum based on the operation of anassociated power tool.

According to one aspect of the invention, the vacuum draws full powereven when an associated power tool is being operated. The vacuum willthus always generate full suction and air flow and will properly collectthe dust and debris.

According to another aspect of the invention, the vacuum may be switchedinto and out of a continuously operating state remotely.

According to another aspect of the invention, the vacuum may be switchedon and off by an air tool and not just an electrically operated tool.

These and other aspects of the present invention are realized in avacuum control system as shown and described in the following figuresand related description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention are shown and described inreference to the numbered drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art vacuum.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the electrical system of the vacuumof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a vacuum and control system accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows another perspective view of a vacuum and control systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the vacuum control system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 shows an electrical diagram of the vacuum control system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 shows another electrical diagram of the vacuum control system ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 8 shows another electrical diagram of the vacuum control system ofthe present invention.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and notlimiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appendedclaims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects ofthe invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly showeach element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and assuch, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate thevarious details of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, notevery embodiment need accomplish all advantages of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed inreference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilledin the art to practice the present invention. The drawings anddescriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and arenot intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of a vacuum and control systemof the present invention is shown. The vacuum 50 includes a power cord54 which provides power to the vacuum motor and to a power socket 58. Apower tool may be plugged into the socket 58 and the power tool may beused to control the vacuum 50. A switch 62 is provided to allow thevacuum to be switched on and off in a conventional manner, overridingthe tool start features.

The vacuum 50 also includes a port 66 which may be connected to a remoteswitch 70 via a control cable 74. Additionally, a wireless receiver 66 bcould be provided for communication with the remote switch 70. Theconnector 78 on the control cable 74 plugs into the port 66. The remoteswitch 70 includes a power cable 82 and includes a socket 86 into whicha power tool may be plugged. The remote switch 70 includes a sensorwhich detects when a power tool connected to the socket 86 is on andwhich sends a signal to the vacuum 50 via the control cable 74 and port66 to switch the vacuum on. The sensor could be a current sensor, avoltage sensor, etc. The remote switch 70 may additionally include awireless transmitter 66 a.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of the vacuum control system ofFIG. 3 where the remote switch 70 is configured for operation with apneumatic tool, such as a die grinder. The switch functions similarly tothat of FIG. 3, but includes an air hose 82 a instead of a power cord 82and includes an air hose 86 a instead of a socket 86. The air hose 82 ais configured for connection to an air supply and the air hose 86 a isconfigured for connection to a pneumatic power tool. The sensor for apneumatic tool may be a flow sensor, pressure sensor, reed switch, etc.When the pneumatic sensor senses air flow to the pneumatic tool, asignal is sent to the vacuum 50 via control cable 74.

Although a wired connection between a remote switch 70 and the vacuum 50is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a wireless connection is also possible, andmay be preferred in situations where the extra cords may pose a safetyrisk or may simply hinder a worker's performance. Typically, the port 66and cord 74 are replaced by a wireless transmitter and receiver, such asa radio frequency transmitter and receiver.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a schematic diagram for the vacuum and controlsystem of the present invention is shown. The vacuum 50 may be operatedin a conventional manner via switch 62. The vacuum 50 includes acontroller 90 (such as a relay or a triac) to switch the motor 94 on andoff as is desired. An additional control module 98 may be utilized tooperate the sensor 102 or perform other functions. The vacuum 50 may beoperated without the remote switch 70. Sensor 102 detects when a powertool connected to socket 58 is being operated, such as by sensing thecurrent drawn by the tool. The sensor 102 is connected to the controlmodule 98, which receives and interprets signals from the sensor andsends a signal to the module 90 to thereby operate the motor 94.

The control module 90 is programmed to optimize control of the vacuumand provide additional functionality for a user. According to apreferred embodiment, the control module 90 is programmed to turn themotor 94 on when a power tool connected to the socket 58 is turned on,and to turn the motor 94 off when the power tool is turned off after thepower tool has been operated for longer than a predetermined timeperiod, such as two seconds. If the power tool is turned off afterhaving operated for less than two seconds, the control module 98 doesnot turn the motor 94 off. The control module 90 is further programmedto always turn the vacuum motor 94 off when the power tool ceases to beused if the vacuum motor was running prior to operating the power tool,as this would typically indicate that the operator desires to turn thevacuum motor off after using the vacuum 50 without using the power tool.

In this manner, the vacuum motor 94 will operate when the power tool isbeing used and will turn off after discontinuing use of the power tool,as nearly all uses of a power tool will require longer than two to sixseconds. The worker may, however, operate the power tool for only asecond or so to turn the vacuum motor 94 on and leave the motor onwithout the power tool being on. This would allow the worker to clean upsome debris or perform other tasks requiring the vacuum but not thepower tool. The worker may then turn the vacuum off by again brieflyturning the tool on. The control module 98 thus allows a worker toswitch the vacuum on and off and operate the vacuum in a continuous runstate without having to operate the switch 62 on the vacuum itself. Thisis useful in situations such as where the worker is on a ladder and doesnot have the vacuum nearby. Preferably, the control module 98 is alsoprogrammed to operate the vacuum motor 94 for a few seconds after aworker uses a power tool for an extended period and then stops using thepower tool. In this manner, the vacuum motor captures any debris whichis within a tool dust shroud as the tool comes to rest.

When the vacuum 50 is operated as described above, the power tool andthe vacuum motor 94 will still share power from a single power cord 54,reducing the power available to the vacuum motor 94 while the power toolis operating. The vacuum 50 does, however, allow a worker greater easeand flexibility in operating the vacuum as described above. One benefitprovided is that the vacuum motor 94 may continue to run for a fewseconds after a worker discontinues using a power tool. This increasesthe effectiveness of the vacuum 50 in capturing the dust and debriswhich is generated. An additional significant benefit is that the usermay remotely switch the vacuum on and off by quickly blipping the toolon for less than a threshold period of time. This “cleanup” mode allowsthe worker to capture any stray debris and otherwise use the vacuumwithout using the power tool without having to turn the vacuum on andoff with switch 62. This significantly increases the ease andeffectiveness with which a worker may use the vacuum 50, making it morelikely that the worker will properly use the vacuum. Increased workercompliance in using the vacuum 50 is highly beneficial where the dustand debris is hazardous, such as when grinding concrete or removingcorrosion resistant paint.

In addition to the benefits discussed above, the remote switch 70 allowsa worker to operate a power tool in combination with the vacuum 50 tocontrol the vacuum without sacrificing vacuum power. The remote switchalso gives a worker a larger area where the power tool may be usedwithout moving the vacuum 50 itself. The remote switch 70 uses aseparate power source such as power cord 82 (or air supply line 82 a) toprovide power to a power tool. If the power tool is electrical, thepower cord 82 and power cord 54 will typically be connected to differentelectrical circuits so that the circuit breaker does not limit theavailable power, allowing both the power tool and the vacuum motor 94 tooperate at full capacity.

In use, the remote switch 70 is connected to the vacuum via cable 74 andport 66 (or wireless connection as discussed). The remote switch 70includes a sensor 106 which senses operation of the power tool connectedto the socket 86 (or air hose 86 a). The sensor 106 may sense current,voltage, or voltage drop for an electrical power tool, or may sense airflow, pressure, or pressure drop for a pneumatic power tool. When thesensor 106 senses that the power tool is being operated, it sends anelectrical signal via cable 74 to the control module 98 to therebytrigger operation of the vacuum motor 94 as discussed above. Typically,the remote switch 70 sends either a voltage signal to the control module98, or provides continuity between two wires in cable 74. Providingcontinuity between two wires is advantageous where a pneumatic remoteswitch 70 is used, as a reed switch or the like which closes the switchwhen air flow is present can be used to send a signal to the controlmodule 98 without any power requirement at the remote switch 70. Thus,the remote switch 70 can connect two wires in cable 74 to therebyprovide a voltage signal, ground a terminal, or provide electricalcontinuity within the control module 90. For pneumatic tools, the sensor106 may also receive power from the vacuum itself so that the remoteswitch 70 does not need a separate power supply. Alternately, pneumatictools may utilize a reed switch or other un-powered switch which simplyopens or closes continuity between two wires to indicate air flow.According to a preferred embodiment, the remote switch may be providedwith a wireless transmitter 66 a and the vacuum is provided with both aport 66 and a wireless receiver 66 b.

As is seen in FIG. 5, the signal output from the remote switch 70 passesthrough the control module 98. As such, the use of a tool connected tothe remote switch uses all of the on/off features as discussed above.The remote switch 70 thus allows a power tool to control operation ofthe vacuum 50 as discussed above without limiting the power available tothe vacuum motor 94, and allows a pneumatic tool to control operation ofthe vacuum motor. The vacuum 50 will turn on and off with the power toolwhere the power tool is used for extended periods of time, and the powertool may be turned on briefly to place the vacuum in a continuous runstate. Where the power tool is electric, the power tool may draw a highcurrent such as 12 amps while still allowing the vacuum motor 94 to drawthe intended current, often 10 to 12 amps. Because the remote switch 70controls the vacuum motor 94 via the control module 90, the remoteswitch and associated power tool may be used to turn the vacuum motor onand off and place the vacuum motor in a continuous run state asdescribed above to allow the worker to clean up debris or perform othertasks which require only the vacuum and not the power tool.Additionally, the use of an extended cord 74 or a wireless connector 66a, 66 b as discussed allows a person greater range from the vacuum 50,allowing them to work more freely without being encumbered by movingaround the vacuum.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, electrical circuit diagrams for thecontroller circuitry associated with the vacuum 50 and remote switch 70are shown to illustrate one manner in which the electrical components ofthe above vacuum may be constructed. FIG. 6 illustrates circuitsassociated with the vacuum operation while FIG. 7 illustrates circuitsassociated more with the remote switch 70.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a circuit 110 is shown to illustrate one mannerof construction for the vacuum 50 to implement the methods discussedabove. The circuit 110 includes the following sections: a DC powersupply 114, a current sensing circuit 118, a micro-controller 122, aremote switch power supply circuit 126, a remote switch input circuit130, a zero crossing circuit 134, and a output driver circuit 138. Asdiscussed previously, a switch 62 may be used to control the operationof the vacuum 50. Typically, a three position switch 62 is used, havingon off position, an on position where the vacuum runs continuously, andan ‘auto’ position where the vacuum operation is controlled by thecircuit 110. A DC power supply 114 is typically used because mostelectronic components are designed to operate on DC voltage where mostvacuum motors 94 operate on AC voltage.

As regards the particular electronic components, E1 through E7 representconnections or connectors and J2-1 through J2-6 are junctions. For thecurrent sensing circuit 118, T1 is a CSE187L current sensingtransformer, R1 is a 68 ohm resistor, C5 is a 0.1 μF capacitor, CR1 is aMBR0520 diode, R2 is a 2 k ohm resistor, and C1 is a 1 μF capacitor. Forthe DC power supply circuit 114, CR3 are BAV23C diodes, C2 is a 220 μFcapacitor, and R3 is a 680 ohm resistor. For the zero crossing circuit134, R4 is a 100 k ohm resistor, CR2 is a 914 diode, and A2 is a PS2701opto isolator. For the output driver circuit 138, Q1 is a BTA24-600Btriac, R7 is a 100 ohm resistor, R6 is a 560 ohm resistor, C4 is a 0.1μF capacitor, R5 is a 1 k ohm resistor, A3 is a MOC3023 optocoupler, R12is a 10 k ohm resistor, and Q3 is a 2222 transistor. For themicrocontroller circuit 122, A1 is a 12HV615 PIC microchip. For theremote start input circuit 130 and the remote start power supply circuit126, VR1 is a LM317LCPK integrated circuit, R10 is a 40 ohm resistor, Q1is a 2222 transistor, R8 is a 33 ohm resistor, and R9 is a 33 ohmresistor. For the remote surrent sensing circuit of FIG. 7, T1 is aCSE187L, R1 is a 100 ohm resistor, CR1 is a 914 diode, CR2 is a MBR0520diode, C1 is a 1 μF capacitor, R2 is a 10 k ohm resistor, Q1 is a 2222transistor, Q2 is a 2907 transistor, R4 is a 27 k ohm resistor, R3 is a4.7 k ohm resistor, DS1 is a LED, R5 is a 200 ohm resistor, CR3 is aHD04 bridge diode.

In the circuit 110, the hot wire of the plug 54 is connected to point146 and the neutral wire of the plug 54 is connected to neutral, thewire 150 is connected to the hot wire of the power input plug 54, thehot wire of the vacuum motor 94 is connected to point 154, and theneutral wire of the vacuum motor is connected to neutral as indicated at158.

The micro-controller 122, zero crossing circuit 134, and output drivercircuit 138 correspond to the functions performed by the control module90 as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 5. The current sensingcircuit essentially contains a current transformer, a filter, and arectifier. The output of the current sensing circuit is connected to ananalog to digital converter on the micro-controller 122, and themicro-controller is capable of a cycle by cycle reading of the totalcurrent level through the system.

The zero output circuit 134 consists of a rectifier and opto-isolatedtransistor. The output of this circuit is a square wave with edgescoincident with the zero crossings of the AC line voltage. The output ofthe zero crossing circuit 134 is connected to an internally pulled upinput of the micro-controller 122. The software in the micro-controller122 is dependant on the zero-crossing of the AC line voltage. The firingof the output driver circuit must be in sync with the line voltage. Whenthe software senses the zero-crossing, the timings start for the phaseangle firing of the output driver to thereby adjust the power output ofthe motor 94.

The basic operation of the micro-controller 122 is to sense the currentthrough the system as provided by the current sensing circuit 118 andphase-angle fire both the positive and negative waveforms to the outputtriac 162 driving the vacuum motor such that the overall current of boththe vacuum motor 94 and any power tool connected to the socket 58 staysbelow a pre-determined limit. The micro-controller 122 may also beprogrammed to include a minimum amount of current that the vacuum motor94 requires to operate effectively. If the current to the vacuum motor94 gets too low, the vacuum motor will turn off until the attached powertool is turned off.

The micro-controller 122 is preferably programmed to sense when currentthrough the line (socket 58) starts (corresponding to a tool start whenthe vacuum switch 62 is in the auto position) and turn on the vacuummotor 94 in response. The micro-controller 122 also senses a drop in thecurrent (a tool shutoff) and turns the vacuum motor off after about a 6second delay to clear the vacuum hose. The current drop sensing logichas about a 2 second startup delay to allow for the transient effects ofstarting the power tool and vacuum motor 94 to decay. This means that ifthe current start logic sees a tool start, the vacuum will immediatelyturn on. If the tool is turned off within the 2 seconds, the currentdrop sensing logic will not see the tool current go away and the vacuumwill stay on indefinitely. As discussed, this allows a user to remotelyturn on the vacuum without keeping a tool running by operating the toolfor less than two seconds. This feature works for both the socket 58, assensed by the current sensing circuit 118 and the remote switch 70. Inboth cases the vacuum can be shut off by turning the power tool on, thenback off again, whether quick or long, as the current drop sensing logichas been enabled.

The vacuum circuit 110 may include a power supply circuit 126 to providea small amount of power to the remote switch 70 if such is necessary.Power may be provided to the remote switch 70 at point 170. The remotestart power supply circuit 126 typically consists of a current limiterto prevent too much current being drawn through the remote switch 70 andprovides a voltage for the remote sensing circuit. The output of theremote switch 70 is connected to the remote switch input circuit 130 atpoint 174, and drives a transistor 166 which is connected to aninternally pulled-up input of the micro-controller 122. When the remoteswitch 70 passes current, the micro-controller 122 will turn on thevacuum motor 94. When the remote switch 70 ceases to pass current, orceases to display a current through a power line, the vacuum motor 94will turn off after the 6 second delay. Circuit points 170 and 174 aretypically a two pin connector used to connect the cable 74 to the vacuum50 and thereby connect the remote switch 70 to the controller circuitry110.

It will be appreciated that if the remote switch 70 is used instead ofconnecting an electrical power tool directly to the socket 58, theremote switch may be connected to a wall outlet on a separate circuitbreaker so that the vacuum 50 and power tool do not have to share power.Thus, the power tool may draw current and the vacuum motor 94 may drawfull current without concerns of overloading the circuit. Even if theremote switch 70 is used, the internal logic of the microcontroller 122may still operate to keep the overall current of the vacuum below thepre-determined level by phase angle firing the vacuum motor if needed.This may provide some protection if the vacuum motor 94 alone attemptsto draw an unusually high current.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a circuit diagram for a remote switch 70 for usewith electrical power tools is shown. The remote switch 70 would includea current sensing circuit 178 which consists of a current transformer182 which drives a transistor network so as to provide a signal to themicro-controller 122 through point 190 as soon as current is sensed.Point 186 and 190 on the remote switch current sensing circuit 178 areconnected to points 170 and 174, respectively, on the vacuum circuit 110when the remote switch 70 is used. The current transformer 174 andtransistor network are preferably selected such that the current sensingcircuit 178 is activated with about 1 Amp of current and thereafterdrives the circuit 178 to give a logic change to the micro-controller122. The current limited voltage from the remote start power supplycircuit 126 may be used to power the remote sensor circuit 178.

Turning now to FIG. 8, a functional parts diagram for a remote switch 70for use with pneumatic tools is shown. As discussed, the use of a remoteswitch 70 allows for controlling the vacuum 50 based on the usage ofpneumatic tools. In this case, the remote sensor may be a simple switch.There may be no electronics in the remote switch 70 other than a reedswitch or simple switch that closes when air is passing through theswitch and opens when the air stops flowing.

Thus, the pneumatic remote switch 70 may include a switch 198 that isclosed so as to conduct electricity when air flows through an airpassageway 202. As shown in FIG. 4, the passageway 202 is typicallyconnected to an air hose 82 a which is configured for connection to anair supply and an air hose 86 a which is configured for connection to apneumatic power tool. The switch 198 is connected via electrical leadsto points 206, 210, which are connected to points 170, 174 on thecircuit 110 when the remote switch 70 is connected to the vacuum viacable 74. Thus, point 206 provides an electrical voltage to the switch198. When the switch 198 is closed due to air flow, the voltage istransmitted to point 210 and thereby to point 174 on circuit 110 tocause the micro-controller 122 to operate the vacuum motor in the mannerdiscussed above. Alternatively, the switch 70 may use a wirelesstransmitter 66 a as discussed.

There is thus disclosed an improved system for controlling the operationof a vacuum with an associated power tool. It will be appreciated thatnumerous changes may be made to the present invention without departingfrom the scope of the claims.

1. A vacuum comprising: a portable vacuum having a motor and a powercord; a socket for providing power to a power tool other than thevacuum; a sensor for sensing the operation of the power tool; and acontrol module for receiving a signal from the sensor and for selectiveproviding a signal to the relay to thereby switch the motor on and off.2. The vacuum of claim 1, wherein the control module is configured forswitching the motor on when the power tool is turned on, for leaving themotor on if the power tool is turned off after a period of time lessthan a specified period of time, and for switching the motor off if thepower tool is turned off after operating for more than the specifiedperiod of time.
 3. The vacuum of claim 2, wherein the control module isconfigured for switching off the motor when the power tool is turned offif the motor was on before the power tool was switched on.
 4. The vacuumof claim 1, further comprising a port for receiving a signal from aremote switch to thereby control the operation of the motor.
 5. A systemcomprising the vacuum of claim 1, wherein the vacuum comprises firstcommunications means for communicating remotely with a remote switch;and wherein the system further comprises a remote switch separate fromthe vacuum, the remote switch comprising: a connection which isconnectable to a source of power for a power tool; a connection which isconnectable to a power tool to thereby provide power to the power tool;a sensor for sensing when the power tool is operating; and secondcommunications means for communicating with the vacuum such that theoperation of the power tool controls the operation of the vacuum motor.6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first communications meanscomprises an electrical connector, and wherein the second communicationsmeans comprises a cable for connection to the electrical connector. 7.The system of claim 5, wherein the first communications means comprisesa wireless receiver, and wherein the second communications meanscomprises a wireless transmitter for communication with the wirelessreceiver.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein the connection which isconnectable to a source of power is a power cord.
 9. The system of claim5, wherein the connection which is connectable to a source of power isan air hose.
 10. A vacuum system for use with a power tool comprising: avacuum, the vacuum comprising a vacuum motor and a hose for connectingthe vacuum to a power tool; a control module for controlling theoperation of the vacuum motor; and a signal receiving device forcommunicating with a remote switch; a remote switch separate from thevacuum comprising: a connector which is connectable to a source of powersuitable for powering a power tool; a connector which is connectable toa power tool so as to provide said source of power to the power tool tothereby operate the power tool; a sensor for sensing the operation ofthe power tool; and a signal transmitting device for communicating withthe control module; and wherein the control module operates the vacuummotor according to the operation of the power tool.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the control module operates the vacuum motor to turnthe vacuum motor on when the power tool is turned on and to turn thevacuum motor off when the power tool is turned off.
 12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the control module operates the vacuum motor to turnthe vacuum motor on when the power tool is turned on, keep the vacuummotor on when the power tool is turned off if the power tool wasoperated for less than a predetermined period of time; and turn thevacuum motor off when the power tool is turned off if the power tool wasoperated for more than a predetermined period of time.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the control module further operates the vacuum motorto turn the motor off when the power tool is turned off if the vacuummotor was turned on before the power tool was turned on.
 14. The systemof claim 10, wherein the signal receiving device comprises an electricalsocket and the signal transmitting device comprises an electrical cable.15. The system of claim 10, wherein the signal receiving devicecomprises a wireless receiver and the signal transmitting devicecomprises a wireless transmitter.
 16. A method for controlling a vacuumcomprising: selecting a vacuum having a vacuum motor and a hose;selecting a control module for receiving a signal indicating theoperation of a power tool and for controlling the operation of thevacuum motor in accordance to the operation of the power tool; selectinga power tool; using the vacuum in concert with the power tool to performa task; and operating the vacuum so that the vacuum is turned on and offaccording to the operation of the power tool.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein the method comprises selecting a remote switch separate fromthe vacuum, the remote switch comprising a connector connectable to apower source for the power tool, a connector connectable to the powertool to thereby power the tool, and a signal transmitting device fortransmitting a signal to the control module; connecting the vacuum to anelectrical outlet; connecting the remote switch to a power sourceseparate from the electrical outlet; connecting the power tool to theremote switch; the remote switch sensing the operation of the powertool; and the remote switch transmitting a signal to the control moduleto indicate the operation of the power tool; and the control moduleoperating the vacuum motor according to the operation of the power tool.18. The method of claim 17, wherein the power tool is electric, andwherein the remote switch is connected to an electrical outlet which isdifferent than the outlet to which the vacuum is connected to therebypower the power tool.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the power toolis pneumatic, and wherein the remote switch is connected to a source ofcompressed gas.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step ofoperating the vacuum comprises, more specifically, the control moduleoperating the vacuum motor to turn the vacuum motor on when the powertool is turned on, keep the vacuum motor on when the power tool isturned off if the power tool was operated for less than a predeterminedperiod of time; and turn the vacuum motor off when the power tool isturned off if the power tool was operated for more than a predeterminedperiod of time.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the control moduleoperates the vacuum motor to turn the vacuum motor off when the powertool is turned off if the vacuum motor was on before the power tool wasturned on.